German Far-Right Lawmakers Head to Russia Amid Growing Concerns

In a move that has sparked debate, two members of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party are planning a visit to Russia. This trip comes at a time when the party is facing increased scrutiny over its connections to Moscow and allegations, which they strongly deny, of sharing sensitive military details.

The Summit in Sochi

The lawmakers will be attending a summit in Sochi focused on cooperation between Europe and the BRICS nations—Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. Despite Russia's ongoing conflict in Ukraine, AfD politicians have maintained contact with Russia and have criticized Germany's support for Ukraine and the sanctions imposed on Russia.

Rainer Rothfuss' Perspective

Rainer Rothfuss, one of the traveling parliamentarians, views his trip as a way to promote open dialogue and prevent the conflict from escalating further. He emphasizes that this is a form of "informal peace diplomacy" and that he is prepared to face public criticism for his efforts.

AfD's Stance on the Visit

The AfD has framed the trip as an opportunity to keep communication lines open, similar to their interactions with U.S. politicians. Rothfuss is expected to meet with former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, who is now a key figure in Russia's Security Council. However, Rothfuss clarified that the discussions would focus on economic issues within the BRICS context, not on official government matters.

Intelligence Concerns

Germany's domestic intelligence service has warned that Russia is actively trying to influence German politics, particularly by engaging with both far-left and far-right groups. This is seen as an attempt to promote Russian narratives and undermine Western democracies.

Accusations and Defenses

Concerns have been raised by other German politicians about the AfD potentially providing Moscow with valuable military information. Thomas Roewekamp, a member of Chancellor Friedrich Merz's conservatives, has accused the AfD of asking targeted parliamentary questions about the military, which could be useful to foreign powers like Russia.

The AfD has defended its actions, stating that it is simply trying to hold the government accountable and ensure transparency. Deputy AfD parliamentary leader Stefan Keuter dismissed accusations of treason, calling them a distraction from what he sees as the government's strategic miscalculations regarding Russia.

Economic Impact and Investigations

The halt of Russian pipeline gas after the Ukraine invasion has had a significant impact on Germany's economy, contributing to two years of economic contraction. The AfD has long been under scrutiny for its ties to Russia, and in 2024, prosecutors opened investigations into two of its lawmakers over alleged foreign payments, though both have denied any wrongdoing.